At Compassus, our teammates are driven by a deep sense of purpose and compassion. In our What’s Your Why? series, we highlight those who make a meaningful impact every day. This month, we’re featuring Michelina Eckert, hospice care consultant, whose passion for honoring patients beyond their diagnoses has guided her career in hospice care.
Q: What drew you to Compassus and the work you do today?
A: Our Care for Who I Am philosophy has always resonated deeply with me. Before joining Compassus, I was a nurse and a Healthcare Director for Memory Care in a Personal Care Home. I’ve always been fascinated and inspired by the incredible stories of each and every one of my residents. Even as diseases took over their bodies, I knew that inside, they were still the same amazing people—mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings, veterans, and accomplished individuals.
Q: How does Compassus align with your values?
A: The way Compassus cares deeply for the person beyond their diagnosis completely matched my values. Hospice isn’t just about providing medical care; it’s about preserving dignity, honoring memories, and ensuring that patients and families feel seen and supported. I love sharing conversations with families, hearing their cherished stories, and helping them navigate difficult decisions with confidence and peace.
Q: What made you realize hospice was the right path for you?
A: I wanted to support families in choosing hospice care for their loved ones at one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. It’s never an easy decision, and I wanted to help take away some of the guilt they may feel—reminding them that in that moment, they are choosing to be selfless. They are giving their loved one the greatest gift: unconditional love.
Q: What does being part of the Compassus team mean to you?
A: What greater honor is there than to be part of someone’s final journey and to witness true, unconditional love in its purest form? That is why I wanted to be part of the Compassus team—to help families navigate this journey with compassion, understanding and unwavering support.
